Rhabdomyolysis in thyroid storm

Abstract

This is the first reported case of thyroid storm complicated by rhabdomyolysis with acute reversible renal failure. The only possible causes for the rhabdomyolysis were inherent features of thyroid storm. Although hyperthyroid patients characteristically have normal or low serum levels of muscle enzymes, this case report demonstrates that rhabdomyolysis with elevated serum levels of muscle enzymes can occur with hyperthyroidism. An appreciation of the potential for rhabdomyolysis in hyperthyroidism should facilitate prompt initiation of aggressive therapy for myoglobinuria and thereby limit the severity of acute renal failure in these already very sick patients.